By Katie Banning
2025 Bonners Ferry High School graduate Helene Rae, daughter of Bonners Ferry’s Brian and Teresa Rae, impressed the masses at her first collegiate meet at the College of Idaho’s season opener for their indoor campaign at the Beat the Freeze invitational in LaGrande, Oregon at Eastern Oregon University on Saturday.
According to the official site of the College of Idaho, “Freshman, Helene Rae impressed in the throws, winning the women’s shot put at 12.91 meters and placing second in the weight throw at 13.45.”
The five foot, eleven-inch freshman was a four-year varsity shot put thrower in high school but has just begun the weight throw this October, according to her mom, Teresa.
Not only is Helene succeeding in the throwing circle, but she is also winning in academics. Helene was a 4.0 student all four of her high school years, top ten in her graduating class and continues to make academics a priority at the next level in her pursuit of a degree in digital marketing.
To see Helene in her next collegiate event, visit the 2026 Lauren McCluskey Memorial Open at the University of Idaho on January 23, 2026, 875 Perimeter Drive in Moscow Idaho.
Way to show up and represent Helene! We are all so proud of you!